Mississippi has 1st pediatric death of current flu season

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The Mississippi Department of Health is confirming the first pediatric influenza death in the state for the 2018-19 flu season.

The person who died was from the southern part of the state and had underlying health conditions. No other details were released.

Pediatric deaths occur in people younger than 18.

It was the 20th pediatric flu death recorded in Mississippi since pediatric flu deaths became reportable during the 2008-09 flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says five pediatric flu deaths have been reported nationwide this season.